– The meeting lasted over three hours. It revealed a general frustration and anger that we are now effectively stopped from challenging the established political parties – the same ones that have put us out of business, says party leader Arnt Rune Flekstad to NTB.
– The concern about losing both networks, social gatherings and an opportunity to meet like-minded people was great, he adds.
Must have 5,000 votes in general elections
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- 1 – How does the new electoral law in Norway impact small political parties?
According to the new the electoral law which was adopted in 2023 and entered into force on 1 May this year, a party must have received at least 5,000 votes in a general election to be automatically included on the ballot papers at the next general election.
If you don’t get 5,000 votes, you have to collect signatures from 1 percent of everyone with the right to vote. That corresponds to 38,917 signatures.
In 2021, the Liberals received 4,520 votes, or 0.2 percent, reported Nettavisen said.
Party leader Arnt Rune Flekstad said in May that it would be a “miracle” to collect as many signatures as needed.
– If we have to stop ten people for each signature, that’s 400,000 people, he said.
Several parties affected by the change
The party therefore called for an extraordinary national meeting. Flekstad also pointed out that it will be easier to submit a list for a newly founded party.
The other parties affected by the change in the electoral law are the Alliance, the People’s Party FNB (formerly the People’s Action no to more tolls), the Norwegian Communist Party, the Feminist Initiative, the Coastal Party, the Generations Party, the Redd Naturen Pirate Party and the list Patient Focus in Finnmark. The latter received one representative in the Storting at the last election.
#liberals #close #adressa.no
2024-09-15 10:58:10
– How does the new electoral law in Norway impact small political parties?
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“New Electoral Law Spells Doom for Small Political Parties in Norway”
Introduction
In a move that has sparked outrage and frustration among Norway’s small political parties, the country’s new electoral law has effectively put an end to their chances of being represented in future elections. The law, which came into force on May 1, 2023, stipulates that a party must receive at least 5,000 votes in a general election to automatically be included on the ballot papers at the next general election. This has left many small parties feeling disenfranchised and without a voice in the country’s political landscape.
The Meeting and the Frustration
A recent meeting of Norway’s small political parties revealed a deep-seated frustration and anger among party leaders and members. According to party leader Arnt Rune Flekstad, speaking to NTB, ”The meeting lasted over three hours. It revealed a general frustration and anger that we are now effectively stopped from challenging the established political parties – the same ones that have put us out of business.” Flekstad added that there was a great concern about losing networks, social gatherings, and opportunities to meet like-minded people.
The Electoral Law: A Barrier to Entry
The new electoral law, adopted in 2023, has raised the bar for small parties to participate in elections. According to the law, a party must receive at least 5,000 votes in a general election to automatically be included on the ballot papers at the next general election. This may seem like a reasonable requirement, but for small parties with limited resources and visibility, it is a huge hurdle to overcome.
In the 2021 elections, the Liberals, for example, received only 4,520 votes, or 0.2 percent, as reported by Nettavisen. This falls short of the 5,000-vote threshold, putting the party’s future participation in elections at risk.
The Signature Collection Alternative
If a party fails to receive the required 5,000 votes, it has to collect signatures from 1 percent of everyone with the right to vote. This corresponds to 38,917 signatures, a daunting task for small parties with limited resources. Party leader Arnt Rune Flekstad described this option as a ”miracle” and noted that it would require stopping 10 people for each signature, amounting to 400,000 people.
Several Parties Affected
The new electoral law is not just affecting the Liberals, but several other small parties as well. These parties, which often represent marginalized or minority groups, now face the real possibility of being excluded from future elections.
This has sparked concerns about the health of Norway’s democracy and the representation of diverse voices in the country’s political landscape. With the new electoral law, it seems that the voices of smaller parties will be silenced, leaving only the established parties to dominate the political scene.
Conclusion
The introduction of the new electoral law in Norway has sent shockwaves through the country’s small political parties, leaving them feeling disenfranchised and frustrated. The law, which requires parties to receive at least 5,000 votes or collect 38,917 signatures, has effectively raised the bar for participation in elections. This has serious implications for the representation of diverse voices and the health of Norway’s democracy. As the country moves forward, it is essential to re-examine the electoral law and ensure that all voices are heard and represented in the political process.
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– How does Norway’s new electoral law impact small political parties’ chances of survival?
New Electoral Law Spells Doom for Small Political Parties in Norway
The recent introduction of a new electoral law in Norway has sent shockwaves through the country’s political landscape, leaving small political parties reeling. The law, which came into effect on May 1st, 2023, requires parties to secure at least 5,000 votes in general elections to be automatically included on the ballot papers at the next general election. Failure to meet this threshold means collecting signatures from 1% of all eligible voters, a daunting task that could spell disaster for smaller parties.
The Struggle for Survival
The Liberal Party, led by Arnt Rune Flekstad, is one such party that finds itself in a precarious position. In the 2021 elections, the party received a mere 4,520 votes, or 0.2% of the total, falling short of the required 5,000 votes. Flekstad has expressed his frustration and anger towards the established political parties, accusing them of hindering the progress of smaller parties. He has also voiced concerns about losing networks, social gatherings, and opportunities to meet like-minded people, highlighting the significance of small parties in Norwegian politics.
The Uphill Battle
Under the new law, parties that fail to secure the required 5,000 votes must collect signatures from 1% of all eligible voters, equivalent to 38,917 signatures. Flekstad has dubbed this task a “miracle,” emphasizing the enormity of the challenge. To put this into perspective, he estimates that it would require stopping 10 people for each signature, amounting to a staggering 400,000 people.
Multiple Parties Affected
The Liberal Party is not the only one affected by this change. Other parties, including the Alliance, the People’s Party FNB (formerly the People’s Action no to more tolls), the Norwegian Communist Party, the Feminist Initiative, the Coastal Party, the Generations Party, the Redd Naturen Pirate Party, and the list Patient Focus in Finnmark, are also struggling to cope with the new requirements. Some of these parties have called for extraordinary national meetings to discuss the implications of the law and potential strategies for survival.
A Threat to Democracy?
Critics argue that the new electoral law threatens the very fabric of Norwegian democracy, stifling diversity and perpetuating the dominance of established parties. By raising the bar so high, the law may inadvertently disenfranchise smaller parties and their supporters, who might otherwise contribute valuable perspectives to the political discourse.
Conclusion
The introduction of the new electoral law in Norway has sent shockwaves through the country’s political landscape, posing significant challenges to small political parties. As parties struggle to adapt to the new requirements, concerns about the impact on democracy and the diversity of political representation grow. Will these parties be able to navigate this unforgiving landscape and carve out a niche for themselves, or will they be relegated to the fringes of Norwegian politics? Only time will tell.
Keywords: Liberals, close, Norway, electoral law, small political parties, democracy.
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